Room to Read

I have known and respected Room to Read’s work for some years now and so it was a deep privilege and honor to be invited by Room to Read to create a commemorative sculpture for their 2015 Gala event at W Hotel. With the successful auction on 18th April 2015, we are thrilled to contribute towards such a meaningful cause with the work of our hands.

Room to Read is a global organization seeking to transform the lives of millions of children in Asia and Africa through a focus on literacy and gender equality in education. Founded on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children, Room to Read works in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments. Since 2000, Room to Read has impacted the lives of over 10 million children, through providing improved literate environments in over 17,500 government primary schools, distributing more than 15 million books, and supporting 31,733 girls to remain in secondary school, across under-resourced communities in 10 countries in Asia and Africa.

There is still so much work to be done in eradicating illiteracy and gender inequality in education, and Room to Read has a new goal of reaching 15 million children by 2020.

Theme

Mission Possible: 10 million children by the end of 2015

Reflecting on the theme and my admiration of their work, I was moved by the idea that “teaching one to fish” is really at the heart of what Room to Read is doing, and the ripples of that will continue to make its impact on society as these educated children can become teachers and builders of the next generation.

Using koi imagery to symbolize perseverance and strength of purpose, we custom crafted two fish sculptures. Like the legend of the koi that swims up the waterfall to reach the top of the mountain, many children face obstacles to gain an education. With perseverance, they can reach their full potential. The scales represent Room to Read’s ten countries, celebrating the achievements thus far, but highlighting the fish are incomplete until education reaches all children.

Rise

Ceramic Sculptures, 30cm & 40cm height

May your spirits rise

And may your lives multiply

Beyond sight of shore

Though the work was laborious, especially adding each scale piece by piece, we enjoyed the entire process and we are so glad to be part of Room to Read’s fundraising efforts. Also we are especially thankful to Mr Lim Kim Hui, our mentor, who also donated a workshop session towards this good cause!